Employing a builder Plumbers

Ask about your plumber's training

A plumber needs as much general building acumen as an understanding of plumbing. For example, for fitting showers, a plumber needs to be able to lay pipes, chop out plaster/bricks and tiles, drill through walls, ensure that a bath is level and lay large pipes for waste.

For this type of work, a plumber doesn’t currently need any type of qualification. For example, they could have trained as an apprentice on-site or with another plumber. However, most have a City and Guilds plumbing qualification or an NVQ Level 2 in plumbing.

Another type of plumber is one that is able to fit a boiler and work with gas installations, as well as water. Typically, these plumbers have a qualification level that allows them to work with electricity as well, or a colleague that is qualified to do so, and can certify that the work is accurate and safe.

To do this level of work, the plumber needs to be qualified not only in plumbing, but also on the Gas Safe Register (see our Gas fitters page) and registered with one of the electrical organisations given in our Electricians section. Other qualifications, such as a Bpec in unvented hot water storage, may be also required.

We've gathered expert estimate on how long some common plumbing jobs should take in the Which? guide to tradespeople costs.

Fake plumber qualifications

Research carried out by Which? showed that dozens of plumbers falsely claimed to be members of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering. It is essential that you contact the relevant trade bodies to check that your plumber is a member before he or she starts work.

The growth in demand for plumbers has led some people to set up training courses lasting just a few weeks. Be aware that someone who has taken this path may not be especially well trained – check with one of the trade bodies that they approve of the course the plumber has taken.

Plumbing industry information

Other relevant websites for the plumbing industry are the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors; and in Scotland and Northern Ireland you can also visit needaplumber.org.

Which? members can find recommended plumbers and other tradespeople recommended by Which? members using Which? Local. If you're not a Which? Member, you can sign up for a Which? trial for just £1 for your first trial month.